This report is part of a series from members across the district for the Annual General Meeting to be held online on 8th July 2020.
Wow, what a great year the District Beavers have enjoyed.
A new event was started in May with the help of Cricket expert Mr Mike O’Neil providing the rules and scoring system. Unfortunately, neither Mike nor I could attend on the day, so Leaders stepped in to manage the competition. Thank you, leaders. The weather was very cold and intermittent rain stopped play on several occasions. At the end of the competition a Cricket Ball trophy was awarded to the team winners 4th NFN Eling Beavers. Well done and all competitors were issued with a certificate. A big thank you goes to Minstead cricket ground for allowing us to hold the tournament there.
In June, the annual District Beaver camp was held at 2nd NFN site and was attend by several groups. For some Beavers it was the first time to sleep under canvas away from home. It was extremely exciting as during the day various activities took place from bouldering to experiments and campfire songs. On Sunday morning (Father’s Day) the Beavers attended church to celebrate fathers/special person in their lives. A special thanks to Leaders, Warren Turvey, and team for giving up their weekend. Also, to the Guides for allowing us to use the field on their meeting night.
July is the month of the District Beaver Big Picnic held at Bolderwood in the New Forest. Everyone provided their own picnic with Parents and siblings watching the Beavers play all sorts of team games. Each Group provided a team activity which the Beavers try to do their best to achieve results. It is all good fun with no winners or losers just enjoyment and comradeship.
After the summer school break, in October the first event was our District Campfire held at 2nd NFN with several groups supporting this. After the fire safety rules where explained, every Beaver was given glowsticks to wear. Leader Steven Osborn, Young Leader George Stubbington and I led the campfire songs. Each group was encouraged to stand up and sing their favourite song. Drinks and hot dogs were provided to keep the evenings chill at bay.
Several Beavers attended the annual swimming gala held at Totton Health and Leisure. All the Beavers who entered had a swimming time.
5th NFN Testwood Beavers led the annual Christingle Service at St Anne’s Church Calmore. Thank you to leaders Steven Osborn and Scott Wilson for arranging the service with the support of the Vicar. The tiny church was very full of excited Beavers. It was a wonderful moment when all the candles were lit on the oranges. Well done everyone.
At the beginning of March 2020, before the Coronavirus lockdown was imposed, the Fawn Trophy was held on a dry and cold Sunday morning. Several groups attended providing teams of 6 beavers to partake in activities both indoors and outside. The leaders had to set up bases to provide teamworking for the groups to achieve results. Each team was marked on various aspects during the process. The winners of the magnificent Fawn Trophy were Cadnam River 2nd NFN. Well done. Everyone who entered was awarded a certificate. Thank you to the Scout Active Support for providing the endless cups of hot drinks throughout the morning.
The end of this year has been very trying for leaders and Beavers with the lockdown restrictions, however the resilience and imagination of leaders in scouting has been remarkable. I thank all the leaders, Young leaders, Group helpers, GSLs, Parents and Beavers for their support for a splendid year in scouting.
Jo Stubbington
Assistant District Commissioner (Beaver Scouts)